Garratt Road Bridge

Statement of Significance

The place is a landmark on the Swan River and is a good example of timber bridges built by the Main Roads Department. The place is the longest remaining timber bridge with a steel navigation span in the state. The construction of a bridge at this point in the river was long compaigned for by the local community; prior to its erection residents has to cross the river at Bassendean or the Causeway.

Physical Description

Two separate road bridges, the upstream one being used for south-bound traffic as well as a foot bridge and the downstream one for traffic travelling north. The upstream 1935 bridge also carries two large diameter pipes on it's outer edges. Both bridges are supported by timber piles driven into the river bed linked with timber cross bracing and double beams top and bottom and then spanned by timber logs which in turn support the wooden decking. The 1935 bridge, which is somewhat lower in height, has steel R.S.J. beams replacing the original upper
linking wooden beams. The railing to both roadways has steel safety rails, although the foot bridge retains the white painted wooden railing that was originally used throughout.

The 1935 bridge is supported by about 37 piers and 38 spans over a length of 238 meters.
Roadworks to the bridge are classified as a 'public work' and are permitted without the need for Council approval.

History

The Garratt Road Bridge was significant in Bayswater history long before it was built, as the idea of a bridge over the Swan River was an issue of concern to Bayswater from the late 1880s. It was perhaps the subject of more deputations than any other issue in the district. The campaign for a bridge gathered momentum when the new Town Planning Commission (established in 1928) took up the issue just before the Depression, strongly advocating Slade Street as the site. Depression conditions frustrated this work along with many others, and when the idea was finally endorsed by the Main Roads Department the site had shifted to
Garratt Road. Garratt Road thus went from a sidetrack to a major artery and in this process, some houses had to be demolished or shifted, including Wright's fishing business which was directly in the path of the bridge.

The bridge was opened on New Year's Day 1935 and by the mid 1950s the traffic flow across the river had outgrown the bridge. The bridge was widened in 1962 to allow for increased traffic flow both ways, and in 1970 a duplicate bridge was built adjacent (downstream). In 1972, a reinforced concrete overlay was installed with fabric expansion joints at every third pier. Further work was carried out in 1989, including the replacement of the concrete overlay and of the original karri halfcaps. The 1935 bridge now goes from Bayswater to Belmont, while the 1970 bridge goes in the opposite direction.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.